A rare and severe solar storm has jolted Earth’s magnetic field, putting satellites, power grids, and high-altitude flights on alert. The event followed the early arrival of two powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on November 11, triggering a G4-class geomagnetic storm one of the strongest in the current solar cycle.
The explosion originated from sunspot region AR4274, which unleashed a massive X5.1-class solar flare. The flare expelled a surge of highly energetic protons toward Earth, with some particles penetrating deep into the atmosphere and even reaching the ground a phenomenon known as a Ground Level Event (GLE), among the rarest in space weather.
“This is a very significant event,” said Professor Clive Dyer of the Surrey Space Centre. “Neutron monitors around the world are recording a rare spike in cosmic-ray activity, confirming a GLE. These events occur only once or twice in each solar cycle.”
Experts compare this to the December 2006 solar storm, which exposed high-latitude flight passengers to increased radiation levels. Initial analysis indicates that airborne radiation may have risen again, especially over polar routes, prompting aviation agencies to assess potential risks.
In space, the storm’s effects are even more intense. Swarms of solar protons are striking satellite surfaces and imaging systems, posing risks to spacecraft operations and data accuracy. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued multiple alerts, warning that radio communications, GPS navigation, and even air traffic control systems could face disruptions — particularly near the poles.
While the event has created dazzling auroras seen as far south as Texas, Florida, and Alabama, scientists caution that the beauty hides real danger. Solar storms can generate strong electrical currents in the atmosphere, overloading power grids and triggering large-scale blackouts.
Historically, such storms have caused significant damage. The 1859 Carrington Event set telegraph systems on fire, while a 1972 storm inadvertently detonated U.S. naval mines near Vietnam.
Experts note that although space weather forecasting has improved, the ability to predict such storms with precision remains limited. Typically, Earth gets only a few days’ warning before impact.
With the current solar cycle nearing its peak, scientists emphasize the need for constant monitoring and quick response to minimize the impact of future solar eruptions.
The latest storm serves as a powerful reminder of how solar activity — happening 150 million kilometers away — can have immediate and profound effects on our modern technological world.